Beginning a renovation project can feel overwhelming.  There are so many aspects to consider, from hiring the right contractor, to creating a design that works for your home, to preparing for and living through the remodeling project.  As you get ready to embark on your project, here are a few pointers:

Choosing your contractor
Selecting a general contractor is like getting married.  If you don’t get along with them during the initial visits, you’re probably not going to work well with them.  Our suggestion is to make chemistry the determining factor.  You will probably be “living” with your contractor for several months.  Make sure you choose people you enjoy, like and trust. 

Second story additions
Aesthetics:  When designing a second-story addition, you never want it to look like it wasn’t part of the original architectural intention, from both outside and inside.

Structural:  Does the existing house meet structural needs to carry the load of a second story?  Through proper analysis and examination this can be determined.  However, the existing structure will never determine the final outcome.  A good contractor can make the original house strong enough structurally to do what needs to be done, such as underpinning the foundation, adding structural components to the existing framing, or building a knee wall around the perimeter and putting a full-span a beam above the existing dwelling—and then build from there.

Height:  Make sure you check zoning laws before you even get close to beginning.

Basement conversions
While they are a wonderful addition to a home for casual living, you never want to feel like you’re entering a basement.  There are techniques that can ensure that when you’re in that space you feel you’re in a real living environment.  From proper use of natural light and lighting-- things that fool the eye—to sound (quality of sound in an unfinished basement is different), and heat, you can achieve all other comforts and integrity of a ‘normal’ living environment.

Kitchens and Additions
Often, kitchen remodeling is part of an extension to the house, such as a new family room and/or an expansive first floor.  Kitchens are expensive so the value of your dollar is something you want to be able to see and feel—it should be tangible.  Keep in mind textures, materials and workability/flow.  

From quality of faucets, to the quality of wood in the cabinets, to the finished appliances, to the placement of everything for an easily navigable, working kitchen.

Consider how the kitchen flows with the rest of the house.  Think about how you will be using the kitchen.  Will it be a cooking kitchen with commercial-quality appliances, or is it a casual kitchen?  Do you eat out more often or tend to entertain?

Bathrooms
Like kitchens, bathroom renovations are usually associated with an expansion project that makes the bathroom one of the most luxurious rooms in the house.  This is one of the rooms where fitting in with the rest of the house isn’t as important.  Generally, a master bath is part of a master bedroom suite addition.  This is the bathroom where you can get really creative.  Are your dreams of your master bath more of a spa complete with steam shower, whirlpool, separate toilet area?  Or is it simpler?  Either way, bathrooms can be very creative, inviting and warming.

For existing bathrooms, consider existing plumbing and codes. Keep in mind that, often, an existing bathroom must be brought up to current codes, meaning money is spent on things that aren’t purely aesthetic, such as plumbing and pipes. 

If custom materials are going to be ordered, your contractor must make timing of the arrival coincide with the ongoing construction.